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INSTAMOM: A NOVEL
Fans of Lauren Weisberger and Emily Henry won’t want to miss this funny, sexy, and emotional novel that looks at modern relationships, modern choices, and redefining—not to mention rebranding—your dreams, through the eyes of an Instagram influencer.
A PopSugar Beach Reads Selection
In this #funny, #wise, #emotionally compelling look at modern love and finding your true path, a proudly kid-free influencer meets the ultimate #dealbreaker . . .
It’s the influencer’s golden rule: know your niche. Kit Kidding has found hers on Instagram, where she gets paid to promote brands and share expertly curated posts about her fun, fabulous, child-free life. Kit likes kids just fine, but she passionately believes that women who choose not to become mothers shouldn’t have to face guilt. Or judgement. Or really hot chefs who turn out to be single dads.
Will MacGregor is aggravating, sexy, persistent, averse to social media, and definitely a bad idea. As soon as Kit learns his parenting status, she vows to put their scorching one-night stand behind her and move on. But Will and Kit are thrown together on an Instagram campaign, and the more time she spends with him—and his whip-smart, eight-year-old daughter, Addie—the more difficult it is to stay away, much less sustain what Will so cleverly calls her “Resting Beach Face.” Kit’s picture-perfect career path is suddenly clashing with the possibility of a different future—messy, complicated, and real. Which life does she truly want? Will she have to re-invent herself? And will love still be waiting by the time she figures it out?
A PopSugar Beach Reads Selection
In this #funny, #wise, #emotionally compelling look at modern love and finding your true path, a proudly kid-free influencer meets the ultimate #dealbreaker . . .
It’s the influencer’s golden rule: know your niche. Kit Kidding has found hers on Instagram, where she gets paid to promote brands and share expertly curated posts about her fun, fabulous, child-free life. Kit likes kids just fine, but she passionately believes that women who choose not to become mothers shouldn’t have to face guilt. Or judgement. Or really hot chefs who turn out to be single dads.
Will MacGregor is aggravating, sexy, persistent, averse to social media, and definitely a bad idea. As soon as Kit learns his parenting status, she vows to put their scorching one-night stand behind her and move on. But Will and Kit are thrown together on an Instagram campaign, and the more time she spends with him—and his whip-smart, eight-year-old daughter, Addie—the more difficult it is to stay away, much less sustain what Will so cleverly calls her “Resting Beach Face.” Kit’s picture-perfect career path is suddenly clashing with the possibility of a different future—messy, complicated, and real. Which life does she truly want? Will she have to re-invent herself? And will love still be waiting by the time she figures it out?
328 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2021
79 people are currently reading
7727 people want to read
About the author
Chantel Guertin
12 books402 followersBestselling author of 9 novels --
Rom-Coms:
It Happened One Christmas -- Oct 2023
Gigi, Listening (USA) // Two for the Road (Can) - 2023
Instamom -- A PopSugar Best Beach Read 2021
Stuck in Downward Dog
Love Struck
YA:
The Pippa Greene series:
The Rule of Thirds
Depth of Field
Leading Lines
Golden Hour
Rom-Coms:
It Happened One Christmas -- Oct 2023
Gigi, Listening (USA) // Two for the Road (Can) - 2023
Instamom -- A PopSugar Best Beach Read 2021
Stuck in Downward Dog
Love Struck
YA:
The Pippa Greene series:
The Rule of Thirds
Depth of Field
Leading Lines
Golden Hour
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 440 reviews
May 7, 2021
Dear Reader,
Growing up, I never imagined myself becoming a mother. Like all my seven-year-old friends, I had a Cabbage Patch Doll, but I never changed her diaper or fed her bottles. She was more of a friend than a daughter to me. And babysitting? Forget it! I’d rather have a real job, with other people my own age.
Flash forward to my late twenties. Like most of my friends, I was married. But while they moved to another phase—motherhood—I only looked on in wonder as they juggled jobs and kids, and with relief that I didn’t have to focus on both. I wasn’t childless. I was childfree.
And yet, while I was 100% confident with my decision to be childfree at that very moment in my life, in the back of my mind, I’d sometimes get a nagging thought: What if, in ten years, I change my mind and decide I want to be a mother, and it’s too late?
For many reasons, my marriage dissolved, and in my mid-30s, I met a guy who I knew was—even before we went on that first date—the one. The problem: he had kids. I was just starting to come around to the idea that I might one day want children. How could I date someone who already had two kids, and who had told me that he wanted a dozen more?
The answer, I realized, as time passed, our relationship intensified, and his two children won me over, is that people grow. They have new experiences, which bring new perspectives. Basically, contrary to the old adage, people do change. Except, social media doesn’t really want us to. Google “How to be an Instagram influencer” and the #1 tip is to choose a niche. Also on the list: be consistent. Stray and you’ll lose likes, engagement, followers.
While I’m not a childfree champion on Instagram, I know all too well what it’s like to balance brand partnerships and authenticity. And it’s that act that sparked the idea for Instamom. I thought, What would happen if a woman who never wanted kids and has a strong social media presence supporting childfree women met the love of her life—and changed her mind? Would she follow her heart or stay on the path she’s worked so hard to create for herself out of fear of losing it all?
I wrote this book because it takes a lot of courage to stand up for your beliefs, but it also takes just as much courage to change your mind. That’s the heart of the message in Instamom. I hope you’ll come along with me and Kit Kidding, the heroine of this novel, to experience the challenges and victories of being a strong, fearless woman navigating life and love in the age of social media.
Happy reading,
Chantel
Growing up, I never imagined myself becoming a mother. Like all my seven-year-old friends, I had a Cabbage Patch Doll, but I never changed her diaper or fed her bottles. She was more of a friend than a daughter to me. And babysitting? Forget it! I’d rather have a real job, with other people my own age.
Flash forward to my late twenties. Like most of my friends, I was married. But while they moved to another phase—motherhood—I only looked on in wonder as they juggled jobs and kids, and with relief that I didn’t have to focus on both. I wasn’t childless. I was childfree.
And yet, while I was 100% confident with my decision to be childfree at that very moment in my life, in the back of my mind, I’d sometimes get a nagging thought: What if, in ten years, I change my mind and decide I want to be a mother, and it’s too late?
For many reasons, my marriage dissolved, and in my mid-30s, I met a guy who I knew was—even before we went on that first date—the one. The problem: he had kids. I was just starting to come around to the idea that I might one day want children. How could I date someone who already had two kids, and who had told me that he wanted a dozen more?
The answer, I realized, as time passed, our relationship intensified, and his two children won me over, is that people grow. They have new experiences, which bring new perspectives. Basically, contrary to the old adage, people do change. Except, social media doesn’t really want us to. Google “How to be an Instagram influencer” and the #1 tip is to choose a niche. Also on the list: be consistent. Stray and you’ll lose likes, engagement, followers.
While I’m not a childfree champion on Instagram, I know all too well what it’s like to balance brand partnerships and authenticity. And it’s that act that sparked the idea for Instamom. I thought, What would happen if a woman who never wanted kids and has a strong social media presence supporting childfree women met the love of her life—and changed her mind? Would she follow her heart or stay on the path she’s worked so hard to create for herself out of fear of losing it all?
I wrote this book because it takes a lot of courage to stand up for your beliefs, but it also takes just as much courage to change your mind. That’s the heart of the message in Instamom. I hope you’ll come along with me and Kit Kidding, the heroine of this novel, to experience the challenges and victories of being a strong, fearless woman navigating life and love in the age of social media.
Happy reading,
Chantel
July 5, 2021
This book was adorable! I mean - no surprise there! A book about an influencer on Instagram ..ummm...Sign this girl up!
Kit Kidding loves "the gram" way of life...she has created a brand with a huge following. You go Kit! This glam girl has created her image around a child free life and she is proud of it! She wants people to know it's okay to choose not to have kids...except then she falls for a guy...with a kid...What will this do to her image?! Houston...we have a problem..
I loved so many things about this book. As someone who has chosen to be " a dog mom" I could totally relate to Kit. We get you Kit! The best??? Wait for it...she is obsessed with books! They are everywhere! Random stacks all over the house. I may or may not have this problem also...just saying.. So there was a million things to love about this book!
Will Kit allow her heart to take over? Or will she stick to her guns and protect her image she has created for herself? Huge shoutout to Kensington Publishing for my gifted copy! Thank you Susan and Annie for this fun buddy read!
Kit Kidding loves "the gram" way of life...she has created a brand with a huge following. You go Kit! This glam girl has created her image around a child free life and she is proud of it! She wants people to know it's okay to choose not to have kids...except then she falls for a guy...with a kid...What will this do to her image?! Houston...we have a problem..
I loved so many things about this book. As someone who has chosen to be " a dog mom" I could totally relate to Kit. We get you Kit! The best??? Wait for it...she is obsessed with books! They are everywhere! Random stacks all over the house. I may or may not have this problem also...just saying.. So there was a million things to love about this book!
Will Kit allow her heart to take over? Or will she stick to her guns and protect her image she has created for herself? Huge shoutout to Kensington Publishing for my gifted copy! Thank you Susan and Annie for this fun buddy read!
June 28, 2021
Quick thoughts:
Kit is a social media influencer who has a one night stand with Will, a single father. This is a fun rom com that never takes itself too seriously.
Kit grows as a character, and I found the writing completely enjoyable. It takes courage to re-visit one’s choices in life, whatever they may be. Also, Kit’s a bibliophile!
Overall, a super fun and engaging read with a swoon-worthy romance and great characters!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Kit is a social media influencer who has a one night stand with Will, a single father. This is a fun rom com that never takes itself too seriously.
Kit grows as a character, and I found the writing completely enjoyable. It takes courage to re-visit one’s choices in life, whatever they may be. Also, Kit’s a bibliophile!
Overall, a super fun and engaging read with a swoon-worthy romance and great characters!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
February 12, 2022
I decided to pick this up because I was in a rom-com mood and because I promised myself I'd catch up with my arcs, and seeing that I'd already read a good 30% of this when I first received it from NetGalley, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and went with it.
Now, as you may see from my final ratings, I didn't really enjoy this.
I just wasn't interested in the story and the writing was okay but nothing special enough to keep me going. Kit isn't what I'd consider a lovable or consistent main character, although I can tell some people would definitely find her relatable.
Her relationship with Will gave me a headache and I wouldn't bet a single cent on them staying together because those two had chemistry only in bed (and only in the beginning) and couldn't communicate for shit.
I know they say opposites attract and all that fanfare, and it's true to an extent and only works in fiction. When the differences are too big and conflicting, there's no sex good enough to save a relationship.
But - and this is a BUT that comes with two stars- there's something I appreciated about this book and it's two of the messages it sends.
First, loved how the whole social media thing is handled. I know it's ironic that I'm saying this considering I spend a lot of my free time on this site, but I really related to Kit feeling free after taking a social media detox, because I did the same not a long time ago and I've never felt better in my life.
Whether your famous or a simple nobody, being under a constant scrutiny can be tiring and it definitely doesn't work well with anxiety.
The second thing I appreciated was the fact that Kit doesn't want to have kids and doesn't feel bad about it. I'm a mom and I couldn't imagine my life without my son who I love with all my heart, but I'm a woman first and foremost, too, and it wasn't motherhood that made me become one.
Every woman and every one who identifies as such, has the right to set their goals and only them can decide what makes them feel accomplished.
Anyway, I know for sure some people will love it more than I do and I even can tell why, but for me it had nothing special and it was too much unnecessary drama when I expected something fun.
So yeah, I'm gonna give it two stars for the reasons I listened in the previous paragraph and because it wasn't an entire waste of words, but both the writing and the characters development need improvement.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now, as you may see from my final ratings, I didn't really enjoy this.
I just wasn't interested in the story and the writing was okay but nothing special enough to keep me going. Kit isn't what I'd consider a lovable or consistent main character, although I can tell some people would definitely find her relatable.
Her relationship with Will gave me a headache and I wouldn't bet a single cent on them staying together because those two had chemistry only in bed (and only in the beginning) and couldn't communicate for shit.
I know they say opposites attract and all that fanfare, and it's true to an extent and only works in fiction. When the differences are too big and conflicting, there's no sex good enough to save a relationship.
But - and this is a BUT that comes with two stars- there's something I appreciated about this book and it's two of the messages it sends.
First, loved how the whole social media thing is handled. I know it's ironic that I'm saying this considering I spend a lot of my free time on this site, but I really related to Kit feeling free after taking a social media detox, because I did the same not a long time ago and I've never felt better in my life.
Whether your famous or a simple nobody, being under a constant scrutiny can be tiring and it definitely doesn't work well with anxiety.
The second thing I appreciated was the fact that Kit doesn't want to have kids and doesn't feel bad about it. I'm a mom and I couldn't imagine my life without my son who I love with all my heart, but I'm a woman first and foremost, too, and it wasn't motherhood that made me become one.
Every woman and every one who identifies as such, has the right to set their goals and only them can decide what makes them feel accomplished.
Anyway, I know for sure some people will love it more than I do and I even can tell why, but for me it had nothing special and it was too much unnecessary drama when I expected something fun.
So yeah, I'm gonna give it two stars for the reasons I listened in the previous paragraph and because it wasn't an entire waste of words, but both the writing and the characters development need improvement.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2021
4.5!
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Although slightly predictable, this book is the best summer read if you're craving a sweet, romantic story with social media on the side. Kit Kidding, a popular influencer, has built her brand on choosing the kid-free life. But when she meets Will, who has a daughter, Kit is thrown for a loop and really has to step back and evaluate for herself if she can go forward with the relationship or not.
I love Chantel's writing style. It really draws you into the story and you get invested really fast into the lives of these characters. I enjoyed the banter between Kit and Will, and the plot moved at a great pace. You'll definitely be finishing this book with a new perspective on social media.
Emotional, heart-warming, and full of all the lifestyle influencer content you didn't know you needed, this book is perfect for those who need a great beach read, or a quick escape.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Although slightly predictable, this book is the best summer read if you're craving a sweet, romantic story with social media on the side. Kit Kidding, a popular influencer, has built her brand on choosing the kid-free life. But when she meets Will, who has a daughter, Kit is thrown for a loop and really has to step back and evaluate for herself if she can go forward with the relationship or not.
I love Chantel's writing style. It really draws you into the story and you get invested really fast into the lives of these characters. I enjoyed the banter between Kit and Will, and the plot moved at a great pace. You'll definitely be finishing this book with a new perspective on social media.
Emotional, heart-warming, and full of all the lifestyle influencer content you didn't know you needed, this book is perfect for those who need a great beach read, or a quick escape.
July 30, 2021
Instamom by Chantel Guertin
Contemporary romance. Parts a romantic comedy.
Contrary to the title, Kit is a self proclaimed single childless woman who is a professional influencer. Her market is specific to a childless lifestyle. After meeting Will, a father of a young girl, Kit is questioning her memories, her career and her future.
🎧 narrated by Justis Bolding, the audio was well done with Kit’s anxiety clearly expressed. A couple times I was confused between the daughters voice and a different character but overall it was clear.
Cute if a bit angsty. It was clear that the author is writing from real life experiences. I’m glad Kit followed through on her dreams.
Contemporary romance. Parts a romantic comedy.
Contrary to the title, Kit is a self proclaimed single childless woman who is a professional influencer. Her market is specific to a childless lifestyle. After meeting Will, a father of a young girl, Kit is questioning her memories, her career and her future.
🎧 narrated by Justis Bolding, the audio was well done with Kit’s anxiety clearly expressed. A couple times I was confused between the daughters voice and a different character but overall it was clear.
Cute if a bit angsty. It was clear that the author is writing from real life experiences. I’m glad Kit followed through on her dreams.
June 26, 2021
3.5 stars--ending was really good.
There are things I liked about this book about Instagram/Social Media influencer Kit, whose brand of living a Childfree life has made her one of the biggest names and support for likeminded women. I really liked how strong and self-assured Kit is, she makes no apologies for her choices and isn't willing to compromise--until she is. She meets Will, a personal chef tasked with helping non-cook Kit to prepare and photograph meals for one of her sponsors, a meal kit company. The two of them have immediate chemistry, the only catch: Will is the single dad of an eight-year-old daughter.
The parts I didn't like were how long it took everything to get going in the story, and then how often it was Kit who was expected to change, compromise, and overall put up with terrible behavior from others around her, especially the other women. Once I got to the ending I could kind of get it, but I felt super uncomfortable for her that everyone seemed to be picking on her and taking advantage of her and for whatever reason she seemed to just take it.
The ending did redeem the book for me, because Kit finally does stand up for herself and call Will out on some things. I liked that she does some self-exploration and also strives to understand how her past and the childhood experience of losing her mother affect her present-day life. It was also great to read throughout about how (especially) women need to stand up for the choices that others make, particularly in regards to having children. Although I personally have children, I can identify with and support those who choose not to because I potentially could have gone down that road quite easily. I just felt like it took a bit too long to get to that point in the book for Kit to champion choice and to champion the changing of one's mind about those choices. I also loved the career pivot she embraced and I can get behind that wholeheartedly. Overall this is a satisfying read, but you need to stick with it for the payoff.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
There are things I liked about this book about Instagram/Social Media influencer Kit, whose brand of living a Childfree life has made her one of the biggest names and support for likeminded women. I really liked how strong and self-assured Kit is, she makes no apologies for her choices and isn't willing to compromise--until she is. She meets Will, a personal chef tasked with helping non-cook Kit to prepare and photograph meals for one of her sponsors, a meal kit company. The two of them have immediate chemistry, the only catch: Will is the single dad of an eight-year-old daughter.
The parts I didn't like were how long it took everything to get going in the story, and then how often it was Kit who was expected to change, compromise, and overall put up with terrible behavior from others around her, especially the other women. Once I got to the ending I could kind of get it, but I felt super uncomfortable for her that everyone seemed to be picking on her and taking advantage of her and for whatever reason she seemed to just take it.
The ending did redeem the book for me, because Kit finally does stand up for herself and call Will out on some things. I liked that she does some self-exploration and also strives to understand how her past and the childhood experience of losing her mother affect her present-day life. It was also great to read throughout about how (especially) women need to stand up for the choices that others make, particularly in regards to having children. Although I personally have children, I can identify with and support those who choose not to because I potentially could have gone down that road quite easily. I just felt like it took a bit too long to get to that point in the book for Kit to champion choice and to champion the changing of one's mind about those choices. I also loved the career pivot she embraced and I can get behind that wholeheartedly. Overall this is a satisfying read, but you need to stick with it for the payoff.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 14, 2021
Kit Kidding is a famous Instagram influencer where she is paid to promote brands and share her selfies and posts about her child-free life. She has worked hard to promote her brand and support women all across the country who choose to live a child-free life.
Kit meets Will MacGregor at an influencer party when he was the catering chef-where they had a one night stand. As soon as Kit learns his parenting status, Kit vows to put their one-night stand behind her and move on. Sometime later, Kit, who doesn't cook, has a Instagram campaign with Fresh Food Fast, which sends its customers all the ingredients they need to create home-cooked meals, but she needs a chef so Kit's publicist hires Will. For one Instagram shoot, Will brings his daughter-his eight year daughter, Addie. The more Kit is around Will and Addie, the more she's questioning herself and brand of living a child-free life. What does she truly want? Will she have to give up her influencer life? Will her followers hate her? What happen when Will finds out Kit's child-free life? Is this the ultimate deal breaker?
I absolutely loved this book! I laughed out loud! I giggled! I felt the sexual desire dripping off both Kit and Will! I also felt the love of a child take over Kit's heart. I even felt my heart strings be pulled a little. LOVED IT! This is what I want from a Rom Com! What I loved the most was seeing Kit understand who she truly was and what she wanted from herself and life-not what was good for Instagram. That was the icing on the cake.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange of my honest review.
Kit meets Will MacGregor at an influencer party when he was the catering chef-where they had a one night stand. As soon as Kit learns his parenting status, Kit vows to put their one-night stand behind her and move on. Sometime later, Kit, who doesn't cook, has a Instagram campaign with Fresh Food Fast, which sends its customers all the ingredients they need to create home-cooked meals, but she needs a chef so Kit's publicist hires Will. For one Instagram shoot, Will brings his daughter-his eight year daughter, Addie. The more Kit is around Will and Addie, the more she's questioning herself and brand of living a child-free life. What does she truly want? Will she have to give up her influencer life? Will her followers hate her? What happen when Will finds out Kit's child-free life? Is this the ultimate deal breaker?
I absolutely loved this book! I laughed out loud! I giggled! I felt the sexual desire dripping off both Kit and Will! I also felt the love of a child take over Kit's heart. I even felt my heart strings be pulled a little. LOVED IT! This is what I want from a Rom Com! What I loved the most was seeing Kit understand who she truly was and what she wanted from herself and life-not what was good for Instagram. That was the icing on the cake.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange of my honest review.
July 8, 2021
4.5/5
Instamom by Chantel Guertin is just the book I needed right now, and it hit all the right notes for me. There was a lot I could relate with, from Kit losing her mom to cancer (I did as well) and wanting to remain childless (same) to Addie's mom dying when she was three (also me!). It ended up being a huge tearjerker for me and there were multiple times I found myself tearing up. You have the serious subjects but at the same time, I also loved how humorous it was along with the bit of romance with our hot chef Will. I loved Kit's character so much and could appreciate her struggle with not wanting kids but also wanting Will even though he has a daughter. Also, it may start out this way but then she finds herself in a whole different scenario, and I really enjoyed the path we took to get there. I will not be changing my mind about kids, but if I do that is okay! I loved the message this book conveyed, and I was 100% behind Kit no matter what she chose.
Instamom also happens to be quite lovely on audio and is narrated by Justis Bolding. I hadn't heard her narrate anything else until now, and I was really happy with her as Kit. She doesn't try to change her voice TOO much for the guys, and that was just fine with me, but she did so just enough that it was perfect. That being said, I also loved the experience of reading it too, and I would recommend it in either format. I really liked that Guertin chose for Kit to be an Instagram influencer, and I also loved that she had a sneaky little private Bookstagram. I love seeing that get put into books, and in many ways, this is also a very bookish type of book. I even got a little dose of Nancy Drew in Instamom which has got to be my all-time favorite series both growing up and now, so that helped further endear this one to me. Such a great book and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from Guertin!
Thank you to the publisher and Let’s Talk Books Promo for my free copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Instamom by Chantel Guertin is just the book I needed right now, and it hit all the right notes for me. There was a lot I could relate with, from Kit losing her mom to cancer (I did as well) and wanting to remain childless (same) to Addie's mom dying when she was three (also me!). It ended up being a huge tearjerker for me and there were multiple times I found myself tearing up. You have the serious subjects but at the same time, I also loved how humorous it was along with the bit of romance with our hot chef Will. I loved Kit's character so much and could appreciate her struggle with not wanting kids but also wanting Will even though he has a daughter. Also, it may start out this way but then she finds herself in a whole different scenario, and I really enjoyed the path we took to get there. I will not be changing my mind about kids, but if I do that is okay! I loved the message this book conveyed, and I was 100% behind Kit no matter what she chose.
Instamom also happens to be quite lovely on audio and is narrated by Justis Bolding. I hadn't heard her narrate anything else until now, and I was really happy with her as Kit. She doesn't try to change her voice TOO much for the guys, and that was just fine with me, but she did so just enough that it was perfect. That being said, I also loved the experience of reading it too, and I would recommend it in either format. I really liked that Guertin chose for Kit to be an Instagram influencer, and I also loved that she had a sneaky little private Bookstagram. I love seeing that get put into books, and in many ways, this is also a very bookish type of book. I even got a little dose of Nancy Drew in Instamom which has got to be my all-time favorite series both growing up and now, so that helped further endear this one to me. Such a great book and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from Guertin!
Thank you to the publisher and Let’s Talk Books Promo for my free copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2025
The writing wasn't bad, but overall, this could have been a better book for me, except for two significant reasons.
1. The title. Instamom. Never at any time does this fit into any definition of an InstaMom. I really wanted to read a book about an Instamom, and this was practically the antithesis of this.
2. The strength in Kitt was being a voice for the childless by choice. Instead, Chantel Guertin used this critical fight as a freaking plot device for a romance novel. This is EXTREMELY harmful to those still fighting for this voice. This book could even be used to harm that fight with toxic partners that will continue to try to badger those with this choice to CHANGE THEIR MINDS. This entire waffling was hard to stomach.
I love that the overall message is that it is okay to make a new choice. I 100% support this, but I don't like the harmful way this was handled in this book to also kind of shit on the choice to be childless. It comes out that Kitt is mostly just super selfish and doesn't want to worry about ANYONE else to the point that children disgust her. (I know she comes back from this, but her thoughts were still there). Also, the message is that as soon as she DOES change, she loses most of her friends and no longer feels comfortable around them. The entire group is a bunch of toxic narcissists, which is not what childless by choice is about. I have many friends and relatives who genuinely are childless by choice and get badgered by society for it. There did not need to be another thing to throw at them about it, which this book becomes.
The romance was well done, and I can see myself enjoying this author on a different marketing scheme and topic as long as there isn't a significant button-pushing issue exploited to sell a book. This could have been dealt with more delicately, with Kitt still deciding to change.
Will was great, a bit too fairy-tale, but it WAS a romance novel. There were some great messages about social networking and a lot of judgment toward influencers. I would have liked to see the resolution of how Will dealt with his daughter's accounts.
1.5 stars.
1. The title. Instamom. Never at any time does this fit into any definition of an InstaMom. I really wanted to read a book about an Instamom, and this was practically the antithesis of this.
2. The strength in Kitt was being a voice for the childless by choice. Instead, Chantel Guertin used this critical fight as a freaking plot device for a romance novel. This is EXTREMELY harmful to those still fighting for this voice. This book could even be used to harm that fight with toxic partners that will continue to try to badger those with this choice to CHANGE THEIR MINDS. This entire waffling was hard to stomach.
I love that the overall message is that it is okay to make a new choice. I 100% support this, but I don't like the harmful way this was handled in this book to also kind of shit on the choice to be childless. It comes out that Kitt is mostly just super selfish and doesn't want to worry about ANYONE else to the point that children disgust her. (I know she comes back from this, but her thoughts were still there). Also, the message is that as soon as she DOES change, she loses most of her friends and no longer feels comfortable around them. The entire group is a bunch of toxic narcissists, which is not what childless by choice is about. I have many friends and relatives who genuinely are childless by choice and get badgered by society for it. There did not need to be another thing to throw at them about it, which this book becomes.
The romance was well done, and I can see myself enjoying this author on a different marketing scheme and topic as long as there isn't a significant button-pushing issue exploited to sell a book. This could have been dealt with more delicately, with Kitt still deciding to change.
Will was great, a bit too fairy-tale, but it WAS a romance novel. There were some great messages about social networking and a lot of judgment toward influencers. I would have liked to see the resolution of how Will dealt with his daughter's accounts.
1.5 stars.
May 5, 2021
What a fun loving story. I came into the world of Instagram at a late stage in my life. I learned a lot about Instagram and how you can just communicate with people about daily issues or also become a influencer selling yourself and your product. The author is such a great writer and is also a beauty expert/influencer. She is so witty and kept me laughing which I really needed. What a great group of characters that I felt like I knew personally. This book make me think about my chosen career and what if I had taken another route both career and relationship wise. A must read. I am waiting for your next great book.
June 29, 2021
Kit has made a big name for herself on Instagram, she actually makes a living promoting products. This job pays her bills and provides her a ton of awesome perks! As with all successful influencers, her life, as seen in pics, is specially curated to sell what she's promoting. And one thing she promotes is a child free life. She prides herself on not being a mom. It's part of her brand and is actually in her insta name.
In what starts as an enemies to lovers Rom-Com, Instamom follows Kit in her budding relationship with Will. The enemies component is quickly left behind and they become a hot item. That is until she finds out Will has a daughter. What the WHAT?? Well, that certainly doesn't fit with her child free image.
This was an entertaining, fun, quick read, and a bit humbling to be honest. As a mom of teens, I've been concerned about social media and its influence on them for many years. But I am also guilty about getting sucked into social media. This book was a great reminder that happiness is at home for me, surrounded by my family, when I put down my phone.
There is also a strong message of acceptance, accepting the beliefs of others, their life choices, without judgment. And continuing to accept them if they make new conflicting choices. We are humans, we continue to evolve. May we all find our tribe who loves us for who we are today. And tomorrow.
In what starts as an enemies to lovers Rom-Com, Instamom follows Kit in her budding relationship with Will. The enemies component is quickly left behind and they become a hot item. That is until she finds out Will has a daughter. What the WHAT?? Well, that certainly doesn't fit with her child free image.
This was an entertaining, fun, quick read, and a bit humbling to be honest. As a mom of teens, I've been concerned about social media and its influence on them for many years. But I am also guilty about getting sucked into social media. This book was a great reminder that happiness is at home for me, surrounded by my family, when I put down my phone.
There is also a strong message of acceptance, accepting the beliefs of others, their life choices, without judgment. And continuing to accept them if they make new conflicting choices. We are humans, we continue to evolve. May we all find our tribe who loves us for who we are today. And tomorrow.
January 27, 2022
2.5
Reading this I can just imagine how annoying influencers and influencing could get.
Reading this I can just imagine how annoying influencers and influencing could get.
July 7, 2021
y'all... this was cringe.
now i am of the firm belief that every book isn't for every person and that doesn't make it a bad book HOWEVER any book that directly or indirectly brings us backwards is a bad book.
🔴 first of all, i thought we had acknowledged that the trope of women who don't want kids deciding to want kids because of a man was done with?? like????
and to be clear, i am of the mindset that anyone, esp women, can change their minds on kids at anytime based on any factor and this was the final stance of kit by the end.
HOWEVER let's not make it a man who causes you to change your mind or make that choice and let's CERTAINLY not allow media to perpetuate that misogynist narrative.
🔴 will was also just a straight up fucking dick to her when they met each other?? so patronizing?? not playful enemies to lovers like genuinely if it was me i would have hit him or poured a drink in his face but kit fucked him instead lmao WOT? he also never once stuck up for her when women in his life berated her??
🔴 there were mad sexist undertones all the way throughout - very independent-woman-is-actually-a-helpless-woman-who-needs-a-man
miss me w that✋🏼
🔴 the influencer culture depicted in this was also just very.. outdated and it read like someone who knows nothing about influencer culture & social media was writing about influencer culture & social media.
if an author decides to write a book about something rapidly changing in society, they run the risk that the book won't stick once culture around that changes. imo, this book was published 3-4 years too late.
🔴 overall, there was too much ick to outweigh some of the nice parts (kit's relationship with addie) and this could have absolutely been written in a different way without the harmful narratives and you'd have been left with a nice breezy romcom🤷
now i am of the firm belief that every book isn't for every person and that doesn't make it a bad book HOWEVER any book that directly or indirectly brings us backwards is a bad book.
🔴 first of all, i thought we had acknowledged that the trope of women who don't want kids deciding to want kids because of a man was done with?? like????
and to be clear, i am of the mindset that anyone, esp women, can change their minds on kids at anytime based on any factor and this was the final stance of kit by the end.
HOWEVER let's not make it a man who causes you to change your mind or make that choice and let's CERTAINLY not allow media to perpetuate that misogynist narrative.
🔴 will was also just a straight up fucking dick to her when they met each other?? so patronizing?? not playful enemies to lovers like genuinely if it was me i would have hit him or poured a drink in his face but kit fucked him instead lmao WOT? he also never once stuck up for her when women in his life berated her??
🔴 there were mad sexist undertones all the way throughout - very independent-woman-is-actually-a-helpless-woman-who-needs-a-man
miss me w that✋🏼
🔴 the influencer culture depicted in this was also just very.. outdated and it read like someone who knows nothing about influencer culture & social media was writing about influencer culture & social media.
if an author decides to write a book about something rapidly changing in society, they run the risk that the book won't stick once culture around that changes. imo, this book was published 3-4 years too late.
🔴 overall, there was too much ick to outweigh some of the nice parts (kit's relationship with addie) and this could have absolutely been written in a different way without the harmful narratives and you'd have been left with a nice breezy romcom🤷
September 24, 2021
I absolutely loved Instamom, by Chantel Guertin! I was drawn in and charmed by the story, inspired by the main female character, and moved by the message. I just found the whole story utterly enjoyable, engaging and interesting.
I truly admired Kit Kidding, self-made influencer and women’s advocate, especially for the right of women to be child-free without prejudice or repercussions. I love that she refuses to feel bad about things that aren’t her fault, a personal pet peeve of mine in books when characters unnecessarily take blame, or refuse to explain themselves when warranted. She’s articulate and kind, humble and quick to admit when she’s wrong. She’s thoughtful in how she behaves and intuitive in new situations she encounters. My only complaint is that I’d like to see her stand up for herself in the treatment she allows from others.
The male character, on the other hand, was her antithesis. He ran hot and cold, he treated her poorly and jumped to conclusions instead of trying to understand. He was condescending and he allowed bad behavior by other women in his life. I found him to be irrational, full of vitriol and his arguments were inconsiderate and laden with flaws. Not a fan.
However, like good authors do, they allow their characters to grow, change and become something better, albeit often through trial and error. I did love the interactions between other characters in the book and found their relationships endearing. This novel really leaves the reader with quite a few things to ponder and consider. I also adored the nod to Bookstagram in the story. This story was fun, thoughtful, moving and a joy to read.
I truly admired Kit Kidding, self-made influencer and women’s advocate, especially for the right of women to be child-free without prejudice or repercussions. I love that she refuses to feel bad about things that aren’t her fault, a personal pet peeve of mine in books when characters unnecessarily take blame, or refuse to explain themselves when warranted. She’s articulate and kind, humble and quick to admit when she’s wrong. She’s thoughtful in how she behaves and intuitive in new situations she encounters. My only complaint is that I’d like to see her stand up for herself in the treatment she allows from others.
The male character, on the other hand, was her antithesis. He ran hot and cold, he treated her poorly and jumped to conclusions instead of trying to understand. He was condescending and he allowed bad behavior by other women in his life. I found him to be irrational, full of vitriol and his arguments were inconsiderate and laden with flaws. Not a fan.
However, like good authors do, they allow their characters to grow, change and become something better, albeit often through trial and error. I did love the interactions between other characters in the book and found their relationships endearing. This novel really leaves the reader with quite a few things to ponder and consider. I also adored the nod to Bookstagram in the story. This story was fun, thoughtful, moving and a joy to read.
July 8, 2021
I really really liked this novel. Along with the story being entertaining, I found I related to a lot of Kit's internal struggles when it came to questioning the plans she had for her life and how they can change.
This story was a combination of being entertaining and humorous while also being thought provoking and self-reflective. It's always interesting to see the portrayal of dependency on social media because there's something different about seeing it described in written form. The detailed written explanation clearly spells out what social media is to the majority of people: an addiction. It has a grip on many of us and I can't say that Kit's experience is that much different than what others experience (aside from the fact that she actually has made a career from it).
One of the messages that I enjoyed most within this story was the reinforcement that not all women want (or can have) children for a menagerie of reasons. Even though that decision can be fluid and can change for an individual over time, I like how this message was incorporated in the sorry because there continues to be a stereotype that all women want marriage and children.
This was a highly enjoyable read and it may have others, like me, question the influence that social media has on each of our lives.
***Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a final copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
This story was a combination of being entertaining and humorous while also being thought provoking and self-reflective. It's always interesting to see the portrayal of dependency on social media because there's something different about seeing it described in written form. The detailed written explanation clearly spells out what social media is to the majority of people: an addiction. It has a grip on many of us and I can't say that Kit's experience is that much different than what others experience (aside from the fact that she actually has made a career from it).
One of the messages that I enjoyed most within this story was the reinforcement that not all women want (or can have) children for a menagerie of reasons. Even though that decision can be fluid and can change for an individual over time, I like how this message was incorporated in the sorry because there continues to be a stereotype that all women want marriage and children.
This was a highly enjoyable read and it may have others, like me, question the influence that social media has on each of our lives.
***Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a final copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
July 16, 2021
What a spectacular debut novel! Kit Kidding is an instagram influencer who's platform revolves around her fun, fab, childless life. She has a steamy one night stand with Will, but then finds out he is a single dad to Addie, who's mother died of cancer. She's never wanted to have children, and this could definitely be the deal breaker for them. But Will is persistent, and she does have feelings for him, but this could completely change her, and her career, and she's torn on what to do.
I thought this was so we written, and I completely loved the characters. It was definitely a quick, summer read. You will definitely have a few laughs while reading too, which is definitely a plus.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
I thought this was so we written, and I completely loved the characters. It was definitely a quick, summer read. You will definitely have a few laughs while reading too, which is definitely a plus.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
May 25, 2021
Just seeing the cover of this novel made me want to read it, but knowing what it was about also helped in that decision. In any case, I'm so glad I picked it up!
This was such a great story the entire way through. It really grabbed me right away and I had a hard time putting it down. I really liked the message that Kit brings to the table. Even though she doesn't want kids, she makes it clear that she likes them and also that it's okay for everyone to make decisions for their lives without having to be judged. Although it took her a while to learn some lessons about the way she portrays herself to the world, she was still honest with what she wanted for herself.
This novel is full of great characters and settings, and it's easy to visualize everything. I loved Kit's chemistry with Will, but it was frustrating when he expected more than she made it clear she could give. Addie was such a fun character who also seemed like a genuine kid (not too advanced for her age, but not too childish either). I liked Kit's dream that she was having difficulty making into a reality, as it was totally up my alley. I also felt bad for her when the moms in the story were mean to her and judged her without finding out the real story.
I wish there had been an epilogue; even though the story ends on a good note, it felt abrupt. I definitely want another story for these characters, maybe even from someone else's perspective? Perhaps Gillian needs her own story. Even a sequel from Kit's perspective again would be great.
Movie casting ideas:
This was such a great story the entire way through. It really grabbed me right away and I had a hard time putting it down. I really liked the message that Kit brings to the table. Even though she doesn't want kids, she makes it clear that she likes them and also that it's okay for everyone to make decisions for their lives without having to be judged. Although it took her a while to learn some lessons about the way she portrays herself to the world, she was still honest with what she wanted for herself.
This novel is full of great characters and settings, and it's easy to visualize everything. I loved Kit's chemistry with Will, but it was frustrating when he expected more than she made it clear she could give. Addie was such a fun character who also seemed like a genuine kid (not too advanced for her age, but not too childish either). I liked Kit's dream that she was having difficulty making into a reality, as it was totally up my alley. I also felt bad for her when the moms in the story were mean to her and judged her without finding out the real story.
I wish there had been an epilogue; even though the story ends on a good note, it felt abrupt. I definitely want another story for these characters, maybe even from someone else's perspective? Perhaps Gillian needs her own story. Even a sequel from Kit's perspective again would be great.
Movie casting ideas:
Kit: Chelsea Edmundson
Will: Finn Wittrock
Eric: Kyle Schmid
Gillian: Amanda Righetti
Izzy: Erin Krakow
Feloise: Jamie-Lynn Sigler
January 23, 2022
People often say that what we see on Instagram is not everything, not the complete person who is handling the account. But what if to portray a certain image on Instagram is one's whole career? What if the choices that we make in life are actually as relevant as what we post on Instagram?
The perfect summer book? It's Instamom by Chantel Guertin. This book is a like a fresh air and although the tropes are common but it is so perfectly written that the reader will end up getting attached to it. There are instances when it'll make one laugh out loud and instances when the tears will come all at once, the chemistry between the leads is top notch.
The protagonist is a famous Instagram influencer, her name is Kit Kidding and her niche is the amazing child free single woman life. She collaborates with brands that facilitate and advocates the child free life and she has worked to support and amplify the voices of the women who chose to become child free by choice. In a certain influencer party, Kit meets Will who sweeps her off her feet with his dazzling personality and the warmth in his character. A one night stand turns out to be something more promising.
As Kit dreams of having the perfect affair with him, her dreams come crashing down when she realises that Will has a daughter. She vows to stay away but it seems fate always throws them into such ideal situations where they have no choice but to interact with each other. She meets his daughter and feels at home in their company, but the fear looms in her mind that what is going to happen to everyone that she has worked on? The followers on her Instagram might call her out because they may think that she is preaching a lifestyle that she isn't experienced on and her professional life will come to a halt. As her feelings towards him intensify, she finds herself in a position where tough choices has to be made.
Bonus: there's lots of references to bookstagram.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
The perfect summer book? It's Instamom by Chantel Guertin. This book is a like a fresh air and although the tropes are common but it is so perfectly written that the reader will end up getting attached to it. There are instances when it'll make one laugh out loud and instances when the tears will come all at once, the chemistry between the leads is top notch.
The protagonist is a famous Instagram influencer, her name is Kit Kidding and her niche is the amazing child free single woman life. She collaborates with brands that facilitate and advocates the child free life and she has worked to support and amplify the voices of the women who chose to become child free by choice. In a certain influencer party, Kit meets Will who sweeps her off her feet with his dazzling personality and the warmth in his character. A one night stand turns out to be something more promising.
As Kit dreams of having the perfect affair with him, her dreams come crashing down when she realises that Will has a daughter. She vows to stay away but it seems fate always throws them into such ideal situations where they have no choice but to interact with each other. She meets his daughter and feels at home in their company, but the fear looms in her mind that what is going to happen to everyone that she has worked on? The followers on her Instagram might call her out because they may think that she is preaching a lifestyle that she isn't experienced on and her professional life will come to a halt. As her feelings towards him intensify, she finds herself in a position where tough choices has to be made.
Bonus: there's lots of references to bookstagram.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2021
Instamom wasn't what I thought it was when I picked it up without reading the blurb, but I've really liked it.
I've to tell you I loved the cover and the title and I thought it was a rom com, chick-lit kind of story and while it was fun at times, it also was a meaningful tale. I laughed and teared up as well.
Kit Kidding is an influencer and an advocate for the women who don't want to be mom and want to be childfree. Her life is kinda stagnant and fake, apart for her group meetings, until she meets Will MacGregor, an attractive and handsome caterer with an adorable daughter, who will make her reconsider her life choices.
I liked the main characters. Kit and Will are very opposites, you can see they are nice and lovely but they don't trust each other easily. It was a pleasure to see their relationship grow organically from a fling to something more and the ending was perfect for them.
For me Kit's speech is commendable because everyone have the right to choose a path without being judged and if you find this kind of freedom you won't feel bad for changing your thoughts along the way.
Chantel Guertin conveyed a deep message in a great way, with her practical writing and good flow.
I highly recommend it but be careful if being or not being a mom make you uncomfortable.
June 30, 2021
My review can also be found on my blog: https://rebekahreads.ca/instamom-by-c...
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Dutton Books and @cdnbooknetwork (on Insta) for gifting me a copy of Instamom by Chantel Guertin in exchange for an honest review!
Before I get into my review, I think that it’s important to preface it by saying that I do not normally read romance novels or rom-coms, and that this is very much a first for me. As such, I am unfamiliar with the typical plot lines that romance novels follow as well as with the story tropes that they tend to include. Please keep that in mind as you read through my review.
Instamom is probably the cutest book I’ve ever read and I absolutely loved every single page. It’s lighthearted, refreshing, and full of love and romance, but it also has sarcastic moments full of witty banter and great puns that I could not get enough of! To put it simply, this is the book that I didn’t know I needed until I had it in my hands. It’s the PERFECT summer read.
Instamom follows Kit Kidding, also known as KitWithoutKids, an instagram influencer who has built her entire social media platform, brand, and following around the idea of being a confident and glamorous child-free woman. She spends her days advocating for others who want the same things she does and who, ultimately, do not want to feel guilty about going against the expected norms that society has placed on them—essentially, the assumption that all women should be mothers and want to have children.
However, things begin to get messy for Kit when she meets Will, a funny and sexy chef (AND dad), during one of her influencer gigs and is later forced to work with him. As her relationship with Will develops, so does her relationship with his eight-year-old daughter and Kit is forced to re-examine everything she thought she knew she wanted for her life.
Does Kit pursue her relationship with this sexy, single dad or does she let it all go to continue to advocate for the brand she’s worked so hard to create? You’ll have to read to find out!
I absolutely love everything about this story. The plot and characters are SO believable and SO relatable. The “villains” are unlikeable in just the right ways. The drama and occurring obstacles happen at just the right times. AND I just love Kit and Will—they’re feisty, and both push and challenge each other in all the right ways. It was also super neat to read about the Instagram influencer side of things (there were so many moments where I thought: ‘hey, I do that!’) and I love that Kit has a secret #bookstagram account.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Dutton Books and @cdnbooknetwork (on Insta) for gifting me a copy of Instamom by Chantel Guertin in exchange for an honest review!
Before I get into my review, I think that it’s important to preface it by saying that I do not normally read romance novels or rom-coms, and that this is very much a first for me. As such, I am unfamiliar with the typical plot lines that romance novels follow as well as with the story tropes that they tend to include. Please keep that in mind as you read through my review.
Instamom is probably the cutest book I’ve ever read and I absolutely loved every single page. It’s lighthearted, refreshing, and full of love and romance, but it also has sarcastic moments full of witty banter and great puns that I could not get enough of! To put it simply, this is the book that I didn’t know I needed until I had it in my hands. It’s the PERFECT summer read.
Instamom follows Kit Kidding, also known as KitWithoutKids, an instagram influencer who has built her entire social media platform, brand, and following around the idea of being a confident and glamorous child-free woman. She spends her days advocating for others who want the same things she does and who, ultimately, do not want to feel guilty about going against the expected norms that society has placed on them—essentially, the assumption that all women should be mothers and want to have children.
However, things begin to get messy for Kit when she meets Will, a funny and sexy chef (AND dad), during one of her influencer gigs and is later forced to work with him. As her relationship with Will develops, so does her relationship with his eight-year-old daughter and Kit is forced to re-examine everything she thought she knew she wanted for her life.
Does Kit pursue her relationship with this sexy, single dad or does she let it all go to continue to advocate for the brand she’s worked so hard to create? You’ll have to read to find out!
I absolutely love everything about this story. The plot and characters are SO believable and SO relatable. The “villains” are unlikeable in just the right ways. The drama and occurring obstacles happen at just the right times. AND I just love Kit and Will—they’re feisty, and both push and challenge each other in all the right ways. It was also super neat to read about the Instagram influencer side of things (there were so many moments where I thought: ‘hey, I do that!’) and I love that Kit has a secret #bookstagram account.
September 16, 2024
If I was just reading this on its own, I would say loved it, great story, awesome love story, yadda yadda.
As someone who is childfree, this book pissed me off. *spoilers below*
Kit Kidding, a childfree influencer, which like c'mon, a kidless influencer with the last name Kidding? Anyways, if your entire career is based on being childfree, you don't just change your mind because some great guy and his kid comes along. That flies in the face of everything childfree women talk about. It just really rubbed me the wrong way. I would feel a bit better if there is an author's note or something in the footnotes if this is coming from the author's own personal experiences.
As someone who is childfree, this book pissed me off. *spoilers below*
Kit Kidding, a childfree influencer, which like c'mon, a kidless influencer with the last name Kidding? Anyways, if your entire career is based on being childfree, you don't just change your mind because some great guy and his kid comes along. That flies in the face of everything childfree women talk about. It just really rubbed me the wrong way. I would feel a bit better if there is an author's note or something in the footnotes if this is coming from the author's own personal experiences.
dnf
June 3, 2021I think this book will be quite hilarious and much fun for the right reader. Unfortunately, that is not me. I stopped at page 27 when the main character was stopped at airport control with a bag full of vibrators and by this point had already had sex with someone she had met merely hours before. I can't imagine where this book will lead but I don't think I want to know.
June 17, 2021
Kit Kidding is an influencer. She’s curated an image on Instagram, all around the perks of having a child free existence. She has nothing against kids per se, she just has no need for having any of her own. In fact, her last relationship didn’t make it for that very reason.
Then one day at an event she meets hot chef, Will MacGregor. Her opposite in every way, the two butt heads. But in typical love/hate fashion, they also end up hitting the sheets. Cool and casual Kit has no intentions of making it a “thing”, but their paths continue to cross and, by default, their chemistry continues to sizzle.
Until, of course, Kit hears the one phrase to describe Mr. MacGregor that pours cold water on their flaming attraction- Will is a single dad.
Suddenly, Kit is torn. Can she continue to be casual with a guy who has a kid? And, more importantly, should she?
Instamom is the perfect example of the lifestyle it portrays. At first glance it seems like it’s going to be your typical romcom. But the more you get into the book, you realize the story has a lot more depth and heart than you anticipated.
I know it might upset some readers that Kit questions her child free life as it’s a touchy subject for many. However, as someone who is child free by choice myself, I’ve learned to not judge others decisions as they are not your choices to make. Kit questions her choices, but I think Guertin does so without alienating her audience in either direction.
This is the first book I’ve read by @chantelguertin, but it won’t be the last. I also read this with @letstalkbookspromo. Thanks to @kcppr and @kensingtonbooks for providing me with a copy of this book for review!
Then one day at an event she meets hot chef, Will MacGregor. Her opposite in every way, the two butt heads. But in typical love/hate fashion, they also end up hitting the sheets. Cool and casual Kit has no intentions of making it a “thing”, but their paths continue to cross and, by default, their chemistry continues to sizzle.
Until, of course, Kit hears the one phrase to describe Mr. MacGregor that pours cold water on their flaming attraction- Will is a single dad.
Suddenly, Kit is torn. Can she continue to be casual with a guy who has a kid? And, more importantly, should she?
Instamom is the perfect example of the lifestyle it portrays. At first glance it seems like it’s going to be your typical romcom. But the more you get into the book, you realize the story has a lot more depth and heart than you anticipated.
I know it might upset some readers that Kit questions her child free life as it’s a touchy subject for many. However, as someone who is child free by choice myself, I’ve learned to not judge others decisions as they are not your choices to make. Kit questions her choices, but I think Guertin does so without alienating her audience in either direction.
This is the first book I’ve read by @chantelguertin, but it won’t be the last. I also read this with @letstalkbookspromo. Thanks to @kcppr and @kensingtonbooks for providing me with a copy of this book for review!
June 25, 2021
I really wanted to love this book. As someone who is childfree by choice myself, I really started to identify with Kit, but then all the things she says she supports about being childfree by choice started to become fodder for me to feel slightly attacked. Seeing Kit change her mind and "grow up" just reinforced to me that people think I'll change my mind if I meet the right kid, or that this is just a phase, or that I'm just being selfish, or I'm immature, or any of the other things people say to me all the time in real life. I considered DNFing for a lot of the book, but Kit's speech at the conference swayed me. She did reinforce that even if she was changing from being childfree, she was still in full support of a woman's right to choose. Being childfree is at its root a matter of choice and by saying she supports the right to choose, it kept me reading to the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lets Talk Books Promo, Kensington Books, and Chantel Guertin for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lets Talk Books Promo, Kensington Books, and Chantel Guertin for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2021
This book was an actual breather for me as I was reading a lot of dark books lately. And I love a good swoon worthy rom-com, and this was perfect for that. This author has captured my attention right from page one, I could visualize everything that was going on in Kit's life, her decisions about not going to have kids etc.
Kit is an influencer whose entire social media and real life platform has been dedicated to kid free-zone. She has created the perfect Image about her success about how women's life should be and they have a say in the matter of having kids, Independence. Well, that didn't last long as she met a hot chef and now she has been re-thinking her decision. To say it simple words theses both were SO CUTE together and I loved Will, UGH. I loved this book from the banter to her friendship with Will to her romance life, it was cute and re-freshing to read. This book explores a woman's journey to discover what she needs as opposed to what she always thought she wanted. This book reminds us that to change you have to have courage because it isn't that simple.
This was a light-hearted, swoon worthy rom-com with relevant issues and re-visiting our choices in life.
A big Thank You to Kensington Books and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kit is an influencer whose entire social media and real life platform has been dedicated to kid free-zone. She has created the perfect Image about her success about how women's life should be and they have a say in the matter of having kids, Independence. Well, that didn't last long as she met a hot chef and now she has been re-thinking her decision. To say it simple words theses both were SO CUTE together and I loved Will, UGH. I loved this book from the banter to her friendship with Will to her romance life, it was cute and re-freshing to read. This book explores a woman's journey to discover what she needs as opposed to what she always thought she wanted. This book reminds us that to change you have to have courage because it isn't that simple.
This was a light-hearted, swoon worthy rom-com with relevant issues and re-visiting our choices in life.
A big Thank You to Kensington Books and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2021
I wanted a fun, cute summer read and thought this would be it. Unfortunately, it was not. Kit Kidding is a social media influencer who’s schtick is a “child free” life, which is turned upside down when she meets single dad, Will. Will is condescending with such disgust and disdain for Kit’s life choices, he’s not someone I’d be friends with or allow a friend to date. Yet Kit is often apologizing to him??? Both main characters are immature, constantly fighting with different priorities. The drama in the book reads a more like a YA novel. There is finally a little tit for tat near the end where Kit points out some things will needs to work on, but for me it’s too little too late.
July 3, 2021
Originally reviewed at Books Etc.
Full disclosure: I've known Chantel Guertin for a number of years. I've been reading her books since 2011 (um, I did NOT expect it to have been a decade...) and I've seen her at countless book events in the years since. So, it's no surprise that I was THRILLED when I heard she was writing a new adult novel that was going to fall into the rom com sphere. Instamom is out tomorrow and it's a contemporary story that is smart and fun but also really deep as it addresses a lot of heavy and important topics.
Let's get the heavy stuff out of the way first. I, like Kit at the beginning of this novel, am childfree. I do not want kids and have felt this way for probably over ten years but have been super firm in my decision for I'd say about eight. I've had so many people tell me that I'll change my mind (pro tip: never tell a woman that. Ever.) My boyfriend (of sixteen years) also doesn't want kids and people in his world often say "but doesn't your girlfriend want kids?" There are countless other frustrating and nosy questions and comments I've gotten and it all comes down to this: society finds it really weird and hard to understand when a woman does not want to have children. So it was great to hear that some of Guertin's characters were also feeling those frustrations - it was so incredibly true to life and I appreciated it so much. But. This is where it gets tricky. (And slightly spoilery. But this does have a romance at it's core and if you can't figure out that there's a Happily Ever After at the end of this one, well, I can't help you.) I really, really didn't want Kit to change her mind. And I kind of felt like an asshole about that. One of the main points of this story is that women are allowed to change their mind about having children (or not). I truly do believe that. One of my very best friends did and I'm thrilled to bits for her and her little munchkin. BUT. I don't get to see myself and my views on not having kids reflected in fiction very often and the fact that this one was so close and then wasn't? I think I felt hurt. It's been a very complicated time for me to sort out these feelings, let me tell you. At the end of the day, Guertin's novel nails the judgment women receive because of their decisions on motherhood and how they're questioned because of those decisions. I may have felt way too close to the storyline but that doesn't take away from how important it is for stories like this to be out there, that challenge the status quo and explore what it's like to be a woman - with or without children.
I love that contemporary novels are finding a great balance between fun and light and serious and heavy. Should we be calling them all rom coms? Hmm, maybe not. Romantic comedies are going to have more real life topics to deal with than straight romance novels but they should still be super heavy on the romance and the comedy. Once you add in struggles with, in the case of Instamom, deciding whether you want to completely change your values when it comes to having children? Can it really be a rom com? This one wasn't laugh out loud funny like I expect from those kinds of books but it was still smart and witty - which I love. I don't have an answer for "what should we call these kinds of books?" and I'm still not sure if we really need one. I struggle with it, too, because a book by a man with these kinds of themes would just be fiction. No need to throw a subgenre on there. Anyone else feel like that?
The other part of the storyline, apart from the childfree business, explored Kit's job as an influencer. I am so small time but I'm still in the influencer world a little wee bit so I understood some of what she was feeling. Authenticity seems to be what people want to see but it also appears they still enjoy the carefully curated photos and captions more than every day views. Influencers feel they have to have a niche so followers know what to expect. And it all gets to be a bit...exhausting. Guertin doesn't hold back in describing how conflicted Kit was and the issues she was facing as an influencer and it was great to read - really real and impactful. I don't know what's going to happen with our influencer heavy world but I think something has to change.
Kit was a really interesting character to read. She's about my age, which I always appreciate, and smart and a book lover. I was pretty sure we would be friends if we ever met in person. I was really emotionally connected to her and her story and I felt all the feelings right alongside with her. I did feel a little differently about Will than she did. Quite honestly...er...well...I didn't like him. I felt he never listened to Kit and brushed off her concerns as if they were silly or hysterical. I do think he truly cared for her but I couldn't help but think he had some shit to figure out before he'd be good enough for Kit. And Addie? She was an absolute delight. I've read three books in the last two months where there's a daughter who's about seven or eight and they've all been so smart (sometimes too smart) and fun to read about.
I also absolutely loved that this book was set in Toronto. We're seeing that more and more in contemporary reads from Canadian authors and I'm SO HAPPY. Next we need to have more cities and towns represented from across the country. Publishers may have some backwards notion that readers in other countries (cough, the USA, cough) don't want to read books set in Canada but I think that assumption is slowly changing.
Instamom had me feeling all of the feels and I think Chantel Guertin's latest novel is going to stick with me for a long while. It's a perfect book to throw in your beach bag or dive into while sitting in your backyard. It'll make you think and smile the entire way through.
*An egalley was provided by both the Canadian (Doubleday Canada/PRHC) and American (Kensington Books) publishers and a print copy was provided by Doubleday Canada in exchange for review consideration. All opinions and honest and my own.*
Full disclosure: I've known Chantel Guertin for a number of years. I've been reading her books since 2011 (um, I did NOT expect it to have been a decade...) and I've seen her at countless book events in the years since. So, it's no surprise that I was THRILLED when I heard she was writing a new adult novel that was going to fall into the rom com sphere. Instamom is out tomorrow and it's a contemporary story that is smart and fun but also really deep as it addresses a lot of heavy and important topics.
Let's get the heavy stuff out of the way first. I, like Kit at the beginning of this novel, am childfree. I do not want kids and have felt this way for probably over ten years but have been super firm in my decision for I'd say about eight. I've had so many people tell me that I'll change my mind (pro tip: never tell a woman that. Ever.) My boyfriend (of sixteen years) also doesn't want kids and people in his world often say "but doesn't your girlfriend want kids?" There are countless other frustrating and nosy questions and comments I've gotten and it all comes down to this: society finds it really weird and hard to understand when a woman does not want to have children. So it was great to hear that some of Guertin's characters were also feeling those frustrations - it was so incredibly true to life and I appreciated it so much. But. This is where it gets tricky. (And slightly spoilery. But this does have a romance at it's core and if you can't figure out that there's a Happily Ever After at the end of this one, well, I can't help you.) I really, really didn't want Kit to change her mind. And I kind of felt like an asshole about that. One of the main points of this story is that women are allowed to change their mind about having children (or not). I truly do believe that. One of my very best friends did and I'm thrilled to bits for her and her little munchkin. BUT. I don't get to see myself and my views on not having kids reflected in fiction very often and the fact that this one was so close and then wasn't? I think I felt hurt. It's been a very complicated time for me to sort out these feelings, let me tell you. At the end of the day, Guertin's novel nails the judgment women receive because of their decisions on motherhood and how they're questioned because of those decisions. I may have felt way too close to the storyline but that doesn't take away from how important it is for stories like this to be out there, that challenge the status quo and explore what it's like to be a woman - with or without children.
I love that contemporary novels are finding a great balance between fun and light and serious and heavy. Should we be calling them all rom coms? Hmm, maybe not. Romantic comedies are going to have more real life topics to deal with than straight romance novels but they should still be super heavy on the romance and the comedy. Once you add in struggles with, in the case of Instamom, deciding whether you want to completely change your values when it comes to having children? Can it really be a rom com? This one wasn't laugh out loud funny like I expect from those kinds of books but it was still smart and witty - which I love. I don't have an answer for "what should we call these kinds of books?" and I'm still not sure if we really need one. I struggle with it, too, because a book by a man with these kinds of themes would just be fiction. No need to throw a subgenre on there. Anyone else feel like that?
The other part of the storyline, apart from the childfree business, explored Kit's job as an influencer. I am so small time but I'm still in the influencer world a little wee bit so I understood some of what she was feeling. Authenticity seems to be what people want to see but it also appears they still enjoy the carefully curated photos and captions more than every day views. Influencers feel they have to have a niche so followers know what to expect. And it all gets to be a bit...exhausting. Guertin doesn't hold back in describing how conflicted Kit was and the issues she was facing as an influencer and it was great to read - really real and impactful. I don't know what's going to happen with our influencer heavy world but I think something has to change.
Kit was a really interesting character to read. She's about my age, which I always appreciate, and smart and a book lover. I was pretty sure we would be friends if we ever met in person. I was really emotionally connected to her and her story and I felt all the feelings right alongside with her. I did feel a little differently about Will than she did. Quite honestly...er...well...I didn't like him. I felt he never listened to Kit and brushed off her concerns as if they were silly or hysterical. I do think he truly cared for her but I couldn't help but think he had some shit to figure out before he'd be good enough for Kit. And Addie? She was an absolute delight. I've read three books in the last two months where there's a daughter who's about seven or eight and they've all been so smart (sometimes too smart) and fun to read about.
I also absolutely loved that this book was set in Toronto. We're seeing that more and more in contemporary reads from Canadian authors and I'm SO HAPPY. Next we need to have more cities and towns represented from across the country. Publishers may have some backwards notion that readers in other countries (cough, the USA, cough) don't want to read books set in Canada but I think that assumption is slowly changing.
Instamom had me feeling all of the feels and I think Chantel Guertin's latest novel is going to stick with me for a long while. It's a perfect book to throw in your beach bag or dive into while sitting in your backyard. It'll make you think and smile the entire way through.
*An egalley was provided by both the Canadian (Doubleday Canada/PRHC) and American (Kensington Books) publishers and a print copy was provided by Doubleday Canada in exchange for review consideration. All opinions and honest and my own.*
August 8, 2021
In Instamom, by Chantel Guertin, influencer Kit has gotten a book, a brand, and a career out of her childfree stance. She’s living a full-time influencer life, which is slightly boring to her, but does involve loads of parties, free stuff, and workdays of taking photos of her clients’ stuff. for her wildly popular instagram account, @KitWithoutKids. She gives talks about women choosing the childfree life and deciding how to spend their lives. She’s careful to explain that not wanting her own kids isn’t the same as hating kids, and not wanting to be a mom isn’t the same as not wanting other women to be moms, it’s an uphill battle. Many of us without kids will recognize some of these conversations with coworkers and acquaintances, although Kit has to keep having them on a public scale as part of her brand.
Then, Kit meets a hot, sweet, and funny chef, Will, who’s just perfect for her in every way, except for one thing. Turns out he has an adorable daughter. It’s not exactly a massive surprise what comes next, this is a romance novel after all, but I enjoyed seeing how Kit and Will got there. And instead of the usual forced misunderstandings and reconciliations, there’s something huge at the heart of their conflicts: Kit know she doesn’t want to be a mother (and her career her career is built on a publicly childfree lifestyle) and Will already has a daughter and loves being a dad.
Full review on my blog
Then, Kit meets a hot, sweet, and funny chef, Will, who’s just perfect for her in every way, except for one thing. Turns out he has an adorable daughter. It’s not exactly a massive surprise what comes next, this is a romance novel after all, but I enjoyed seeing how Kit and Will got there. And instead of the usual forced misunderstandings and reconciliations, there’s something huge at the heart of their conflicts: Kit know she doesn’t want to be a mother (and her career her career is built on a publicly childfree lifestyle) and Will already has a daughter and loves being a dad.
Full review on my blog
March 24, 2022
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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Kit Kidding is a popular influencer who has made her brand off of being childless and successful. She meets a hot chef named Will, and things are starting to heat up. Then she discovers he has a daughter, and she must decide whether or not to stay true to her brand, or take a chance on love.
I really enjoyed this book, more than I originally thought I would. There were times where I was openly smiling at this book. I flew through this book in two sittings and thought the pacing was really well done. I enjoyed the underlying message that social media isn't everything. I also loved the overarching message that not all woman need, want or can have children... and that's okay. It doesn't make them any lesser. The banter between Kit and Will was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed their budding relationship. Although it did become frustrating at times. I didn't appreciate Will when he expected Kit to change her beliefs just because that's what he wanted. I also thought little Addie was adorable, very wise for an 8 year old. I listened to this on audio, and enjoyed the narration of it immensely.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Kit Kidding is a popular influencer who has made her brand off of being childless and successful. She meets a hot chef named Will, and things are starting to heat up. Then she discovers he has a daughter, and she must decide whether or not to stay true to her brand, or take a chance on love.
I really enjoyed this book, more than I originally thought I would. There were times where I was openly smiling at this book. I flew through this book in two sittings and thought the pacing was really well done. I enjoyed the underlying message that social media isn't everything. I also loved the overarching message that not all woman need, want or can have children... and that's okay. It doesn't make them any lesser. The banter between Kit and Will was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed their budding relationship. Although it did become frustrating at times. I didn't appreciate Will when he expected Kit to change her beliefs just because that's what he wanted. I also thought little Addie was adorable, very wise for an 8 year old. I listened to this on audio, and enjoyed the narration of it immensely.
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